Leaders make great nations
On a daily basis, leadership question and the challenges of economic development are debated by concerned citizens worldwide. People-rich and poor, are not completely immune from economic hardship ravaging the world today. We all live in unprecedented times that mortals-politicians, scholars, clerics and children, amongst others, are perturbed about their future. We are all worried about the future because there is a great deal of uncertainty. The level of uncertainty is so high that anything is possible in the land of the living.
Life is scary to many people. Wars, kidnapping, terrorism, and militancy are exponentially increasing globally. Most people are disturbed about what is going to happen next to them and their loved ones. It appears leadership in most nations have failed. Certainly, there is leadership deficit in the world we live in today. This has produced an entire body of people who live in a world of self-doubt and fear.
Most people are powerless because they have no control over what is happening in the world. It appears there are no brave men out there to halt the calamity that has befallen most nations of the world. What is observed is that most nations now parade leaders who lack the ability to work with their colleagues and could not effectively lead change.
We hear and read stories of highly intelligent and skilled individuals who have been elected into leadership positions either in government or the private sector but could not perform their jobs satisfactorily. We have equally seen leaders who have been assessed as not having the prerequisite qualification, intellectual and technical competences but do well in leadership positions. When a careful analysis of these narratives is made, one may be tempted to ask: why are some leaders successful while others fail fantastically in office when given equal opportunities.
For several decades, leadership scholars have severally attempted to determine styles, characteristics and personality traits of great leaders. But scholars have not provided a stereotype leadership style. If a standard leadership style has been established, I bet some individuals would have tried to imitate it globally. Leaders would have constituted themselves into personae, not people, and others would have been compelled to see through them straightaway. How do nations identify individuals with the “right-stuff” in order to prepare them for leadership positions in government and private sectors respectively?It is by strengthening institutions.
Visionary leaders make great nations. It is the quality and quantity of leaders a nation can assemble that determine whether it will be classified as either developed or less developed, not mineral resources. As a leadership enthusiast, this piece was motivated by the way some of our so called “leaders” of all political hues and military stripes in Nigeria have exposed themselves gracelessly.
When you read daily newspapers and watch TV programs, most times stories presented are unpleasant particularly in Nigeria.The weakness of leadership at all levels-federal, state, and local, are exposed almost on a daily basis. As the Executive is struggling to restore investors’ confidence and demonstrate sound leadership qualities, the Judiciary is sluggish in prosecution of criminals. At the same time, the Legislature at the national level is riveted in 2016 budget “padding” and forgery controversies. Most state legislatures are not better. It is a pity!
Having travelled the path of democracy for 17 years, Nigeria has arrived at a critical point in its chequered history where questions are being asked by concerned citizens, whether most of our leaders possess emotional intelligence suitable for democratic governance. It is emotional intelligence that distinguishes outstanding leaders from others and it is linked to strong performance in office.It is important to emphasize and sensitize our politicians and public servants in leadership positions that building their emotional intelligence will not happen miraculously unless they make concerted efforts individually and collectively.
Some state governors are allegedly involved in wage theft of civil servants because they cannot pay salaries and pensions of workers and retirees. The military is not spared as some top brass are accused of misappropriating public funds. These stories are most unfortunate and embarrassing to Nigeria and Nigerians. It may be argued that Nigerians have not perfected how it chooses its leaders. Some leadership scholars and enthusiasts have lent their voices to the debate that those led in Nigeria cannot be forgiven from the crooked process through which they choose their leaders. It is unbelievable that Nigerians reelect governors who cannot pay salaries and pensions to serve another 4- year term in office. Is it a case of the devil that is known being better than the saint not known?
Unfortunately, most of the politicians I have come across in the past 17 years of democracy in Nigeria are money-driven. Nigeria needs to pick leaders who are heart-driven, and gifted to comprehend the need of the common man. Nigerians need to choose leaders who unite, not divide. We need to identify and elect politicians who will not only bailout states, banks and airlines but also create an environment which is conducive for firms to do business.
We must elect leaders who will be consistent in policy formulation, fund education, science and technology; leaders who prefer diplomacy over war and a truthful broker of foreign relations. We need leaders who encourage diversity and unity, not racism and nepotism. Nigeria must stop parading conmen as leaders in all tiers of government. We need men and women who understand the dynamics of the global environment. Those who are strong, confident, humble and intelligent but not crafty.
Elections at the federal, state, and local levels is ongoing. Nigerians need to choose leaders who will make them proud. We don’t need those who will sponsor terrorism and militancy. Nigeria is earnestly yearning for leaders who will stir the hearts of the people so that future generations can strive to emulate their leader’s greatness. When Nigeria can muster visionary leaders, it is only then that our youths can be inspired and nurtured for greatness.
MA Johnson